Gilchrist wants Twenty20 in 2020 Olympics

The high octane format of Twenty20 being one of the showpiece events at the Olympics might be a pipe dream but former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist finds the possibility of cricket as an Olympic sport in 2020 a potential reality.

“It doesn’t matter where the 2020 Olympic Games are held but many of us who’ve experienced international Twenty20 cricket and the IPL are convinced that cricket should bid to become an Olympic sport in time for the 2020 Olympic Games, wherever they’re held," Gilchrist wrote in his column for the Deccan Herald.

Hearing national anthem on Olympic podium – a priceless experience

Having scored over 5000 runs in the longest format and more than 9000 runs in ODIs, Gilchrist is considered as one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the history of the game.

Being a vital member of a champion Australia side, Gilchrist also has the distinction of winning three World Cups and besides this, has won numerous awards, thus resulting in an immensely satisfying cricketing career.

He made a very interesting and novel point. "Take it from someone who has won almost everything cricket has to offer – the Olympics is the absolute pinnacle in sport."

“Cricketers won’t care about the money. The chance to stand on top of the Olympic podium, to wear an Olympic gold medal and the pride of belting out your national anthem would be a life-changing money-can’t-buy experience," he added.

Popularity will lead to more Test playing nationsThe former stumper believes that Olympic Games provides a huge platform to popularize the game around the world.

“I believe the Olympic Games is the vehicle the sport should use to aggressively sell the message of our sport to all 202 competing Olympic nations, so our sport is strong and robust in countries where it is currently played, and exciting and ground-breaking in countries who haven't yet caught the 'cricket-bug," he wrote.

Gilchrist envisaged the Twenty20 format could become popular in countries like the United States, China, Italy, France and Japan, which could all provide strong men's and women's teams.

As a long-term benefit, he felt that the nations participating in the Olympics could then pave the way for Test cricket to be played in more countries.

“Now is the time for the 10 full-member nations of the ICC to plan for the development of the sport over the next 100 years,” He added that he was kicked about the thought of Italy taking on Australia in Rome in a Test match.

Gilchrist also said an Olympic cricket tournament would not compromise the sport’s already jammed schedule, as a small window was needed once every four years.

He feels the aim is achievable. "The Olympic movement knows it needs to increase its presence in the Asian subcontinent as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh contribute nearly 22% of the world's population. In theory, this is a win-win for the Olympic movement and the ICC and its members."

Gilchrist believes it is time to actively start working on the project. "The ICC has already taken the step to become a recognised Olympic sport and that is the first step on the road to becoming part of the Olympic programme.”

He also gave a road-map. “Between 2009 and 2013, cricket should promote itself to the IOC as a prospective sport and, if we get it right, cricket will be invited to the Olympic party in 2020."